Can You Whiten Teeth While Pregnant
According to the American Pregnancy Association, cosmetic treatments that are not immediately necessary, such as teeth whitening, should be postponed until after delivery. The American Dental Association agrees, stating that due to the potential safety concerns regarding bleaching materials, pregnant women should delay any teeth whitening procedures. Discuss your whitening options with your dentist and agree on a treatment timeline that works for you. Also, consider the different methods of teeth whitening and ask for advice on what will work best for your individual situation.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe For Pregnant Women
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Many women wonder if their usual teeth whitening procedures, or any new ones they may want to try, are safe during pregnancy. Pregnancy is an important time, and expecting mothers want to be sure they are doing everything they can to protect their babys health and wellbeing.
Common teeth whitening procedures, either at-home procedures such as whitening strips, or procedures performed by the dentist, havent been proven to create risks for you or your baby during pregnancy. However, there is simply not enough information to prove that teeth whitening during pregnancy is completely safe.
The active ingredient in teeth whitening products is carbamide peroxide, which reacts with water to become hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide in teeth whitening products bleaches your teeth, giving you that brilliant white smile. This oxidation process can, however, be harmful to soft tissue. Since your gums are more sensitive and more prone to gingivitis during pregnancy, the hydrogen peroxide could be damaging to your gums.
Pregnant or not, prevention is always the best medicine! You can avoid staining your teeth further by avoiding the following:
- Coffee and tea
- Dark fruit and vegetables, eg. pomegranate, beetroot, dark berries, and their juices
- Acidic food, such as citrus or tomatoes
- Sugary food and drinks.
Tooth & Gum Sensitivity
Pregnancy hormones can also make your gums more sensitive, Dr. Yum shares. Some patients complain of sensitivity to their teeth after bleaching, she tells us. Their teeth might feel an electrical shock type of sensation once in a while or may be sensitive to temperature.
The stronger the whitening formula is, the higher the risk of sensitivity, but it tends to be relatively mild and resolve within a few days.
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Your Teeth May Be More Vulnerable To Harm During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your teeth might be looser. This is because of higher levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone in your body. This might mean that your teeth are more vulnerable than usual, which is part of why the American Dental Association advises against treatment.
Due to morning sickness, your teeth might be demineralized and at risk for erosion. Since teeth whitening is not entirely safe for anyones teeth, you might delay it. Whitening chemicals can be harmful to already weakened teeth.
Pregnancy can be hard on your oral health. For this reason, dental care of any kind is disadvised during pregnancy. You should only get essential care that needs to be done shortly.
Bronzing Your Belly: Self
Self-tanners havenât been studied much in pregnant women. “An occasional self-tanner will do a lot less harm than a real tan or tanning beds,” says Judith Hellman, MD. She is an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. “But for 9 months, you can survive without looking bronzed.”
Some sunscreens include oxybenzone one recent study linked its absorption to low birth weight in baby girls. But this research didn’t prove that sunscreen was to blame.
“Sunscreen is extremely important because pregnancy hormones can make the skin more sensitive than normal,” Salasche says. If you’re concerned about its use, consider one of these options:
- Use a non-chemical sunscreen and wear a hat and other protective clothing while out in the sun. Limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sunâs rays are most intense.
- Use sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide instead. These ingredients filter out UV rays by sitting on top of the skin — meaning they’re not absorbed.
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Potential Problems Of Teeth Whitening While Pregnant
While theres little to suggest that teeth whitening while pregnant is definitely dangerous, there are some potential health concerns to consider:
Do Doctors Suggest Teeth Whitening During Pregnancy
There is little research to substantiate the safety of whitening kits throughout pregnancy. Thus, many doctors suggest that pregnant women wait until after delivery and nursing before they start a bleaching treatment for their teeth. Most chemical teeth whiteners contain hydrogen peroxide, which chemically is simply water with an additional oxygen atom in its makeup. However, hydrogen peroxide can cause tissue damage if used in high concentrations.
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Should I Be Worried About My Oral Health During Pregnancy
We encourage you to speak with your dentist when it comes to concerns about pregnancy & oral health, especially if you notice any changes after falling pregnant. Everyones body responds differently to the influx of hormones that comes with pregnancy, so its better to ensure youre paying attention to any changes taking place and seeking appropriate advice. In terms of what to look for when it comes to oral health during pregnancy, below are a few conditions you may experience:
- Gingivitis or swollen and bleeding gums aggravated by hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Tooth erosion related to an increase in the acidity of saliva caused by morning sickness
- Cavities due to cravings for sugary foods and
- Pyogenic granulomas, which are round growths on the gums due to hormonal changes.
Hairspray And Nail Polish: Should You Or Shouldn’t You
Phthalates, which are found in many hair sprays and nail polishes, have been studied for a potential risk of causing birth defects. The FDA’s conclusion? The available data doesn’t establish an association between the use of phthalates in cosmetics and a human health risk.
“Phthalates have not been connected to birth defects in humans,” Healy says. “However, studies in animals have shown these substances interfere with male sexual development, so caution is warranted.”
To be on the safe side:
- Use phthalate-free nail polish. Or polish your nails in a well-ventilated area to limit your exposure. Once the polish dries, there’s little risk to your baby, since chemicals aren’t absorbed through the nails.
- Instead of using hairspray, which is easy to inhale, use mousse or gel.
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Teeth Whitening During Pregnancy
Itâs important for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to follow certain guidelines when it comes to the foods and beverage they consume as well as other health habits. For instance, many health experts suggest that you refrain from drinking caffeine or dying your hair. If youâre pregnant or breastfeeding, you may be wondering whether you should wait to have your teeth whitened. Hereâs everything you need to know about teeth whitening while pregnant or breastfeeding:
Alternatives To Teeth Whitening
There are some things a pregnant woman can try to brighten her smile without teeth whitening products. First of all, good oral hygiene is always a must. It may not make teeth much whiter, but a clean mouth and fresh breath are always a good thing.
Pregnant patients should also keep up with their regular dental appointments and cleanings. A professional cleaning that removes plaque can whiten teeth considerably without any extra chemicals.
Some women switch to decaf coffee or soda when pregnant. These will dull the teeth as much as their fully caffeinated counterparts. Sticking to things that wont stain teeth can help avoid the need for whiteners.
Although most are unproven by science, some people swear by home whitening remedies such as brushing with baking soda, rinsing with apple cider vinegar, or certain properties of fruits like papayas and pineapple. Pregnant women should discuss the pros and cons of any of these with their doctorincluding whether or not they actually work.
If a woman really wants to use a whitening product, she should stick to an over-the-counter toothpaste or rinse. The amount of exposure to peroxide is lessened by using at-home products rather than professional whitening at the dentist. Just remember that it wont eliminate exposure entirely. Its best to check the concentration of peroxide in any product, and avoid overuse.
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Terra & Co Is Safe For Everyone
Wondering how to keep your teeth white? Were here to help, naturally. Terra & Co. actually got its start when one of our founders, Amra, was pregnant. Realizing that more than 232 chemicals can reach a baby through the mothers environment, she wanted a safer toothpaste. The carefully selected natural ingredients in our products are designed to be safe for everyonewhile still supporting a white smile.
Some Facts About Teeth Whitening During Pregnancy
Home » Some Facts About Teeth Whitening During Pregnancy
Most people like to look and feel good and will use special treatments to help. One of the most popular treatments of this kind is teeth whitening. People whiten their teeth for a number of different reasons some to get rid of stains from coffee and cigarettes and others who dont have those problems do it just to make their pearly whites, white. What if you are pregnant though? There are many treatments that either dont work or are far too risky during pregnancy. In this article we will discuss the facts and look at alternative ways to keep your smile sparkling white.
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Is It Safe To Whiten Your Teeth During Pregnancy
Many women like to look their best while pregnant. Thus, they may be interested in teeth whitening. The color of the teeth plays a large role in a persons overall appearance.
Teeth that are discolored tend to look less attractive. However, over-the-counter and professional teeth-whitening products are often effective at removing dental stains.
If you are currently expecting, you may be wondering whether or not you can safely whiten your teeth during pregnancy. Here is a bit of information to help answer your questions concerning teeth whitening while you are expecting.
A New Baby Is On The Way But Is A Smile Makeover With Teeth Whitening While Pregnant Also On The Cards
Every woman wants to look her best, and especially during the most important times of her life and that doesnt only mean her wedding day but also when shes pregnant and about to give birth. Just because youre going through nine months that at times can be uncomfortable, or even when youre ill because of morning sickness, doesnt mean you cant also take care of your appearance. So what about teeth whitening and pregnancy is it going to negatively affect your developing fetus if you have it done?
First, lets look at what teeth whitening is, and if its effective in making your teeth so much brighter, and if its safe. If youre looking for the best kinds of teeth whitening, its best to avoid the type of DIY kits you may have seen in the shops your dentist may have a professional one that you can use in the comfort of your own home over the course of several weeks. Teeth whitening bleaches the teeth, but it wont make them dazzlingly white instead, you can expect the current colour of your teeth to lighten by a number of shades.
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Pregnancy Gingivitis And Teeth Whitening
Another reason to delay a whitening treatment until after the delivery of your child is pregnancy gingivitis. The condition, which causes gum inflammation, occurs because of the hormones of pregnancy.
Pregnancy hormones increase the blood flow to the gums, making them more prone to bleed, swell and become tender. Consistent dental hygiene can help decrease gum inflammation, but the chemicals within a teeth-whitening kit may aggravate gum tissues that are already sensitive.
Boosting Your Dental Health During Pregnancy
There are of course many things you can do before and during pregnancy to boost your dental health and prevent possible problems. Why not consider some of these suggestions before jumping straight to teeth whitening treatments:
- Brush after every meal, for at least two minutes each time with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily to remove plaque and food debris
- Eat a balanced diet, limiting processed snacks and avoiding sugary drinks and foods
- Maintain a schedule of regular dental checkups before and during pregnancy for professional cleanings and assessments
- Protect your teeth by rinsing with a mixture of baking soda and warm water to neutralize any stomach acids if you are experiencing morning sickness and
- Follow any home care recommendations or required treatments, your dentist may suggest, such as an antibacterial mouth rinse.
As always, its best to consult with your dentist about what to expect during pregnancy to ensure your oral health stays on track. By postponing elective treatments such as teeth whitening during pregnancy and making a determined effort towards your oral hygiene, you can on your pregnancy and the excitement of welcoming a new family member.
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How Can You Keep Your Teeth Clean And Bright
While you cannot whiten your teeth when pregnant, there are ways you can remove the mild stains and keep your teeth looking bright.
Getting regular dental cleaning is critical not only to your oral health but also to the appearance of the teeth. It is recommended that you visit the dentist often when pregnant to keep a check on your oral health. During your routine checkup, our dentist in Kennewick, WA will do a professional deep cleaning to remove any buildup. Although this is not a bleaching process, it can remove mild stains and leave your teeth looking bright.
It is also vital to avoid foods that can stain the teeth like coffee, tea, and soy. Using fluoride toothpaste and mouth wash can also help to strengthen your teeth and prevent decay.
Is Teeth Whitening Toothpaste And Mouthwash Safe During Pregnancy
Several teeth whitening toothpaste do not contain hydrogen peroxide, while many have a very small amount that poses a threat to the health of pregnant women and their babies.
For Mouthwash, it should be used only on doctor recommendations as most contain alcohol.
Generally, the best way for pregnant women to keep their teeth from getting stained during pregnancy is to eat healthy fruits. You can improve the health of your teeth this way until delivery. After delivery, you can contact a dentist in AZ or phoenix and book an appointment by searching with any of the keywords emergency dentist 85015, dentist phoenix az, dental cleanings in phoenix, or family dentist phoenix. The search result will give you a directory of recommended dental clinics and dentists to go for.
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- Wednesday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
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Can I Have My Teeth Whitened While Im Breastfeeding
Yes! Teeth whitening is completely safe for breastfeeding moms. The peroxide-based whiteners used in both in-office whitening and take-home kits will not be absorbed into your bloodstream, so they will not end up in your breastmilk. Even if you do swallow a very small amount of peroxide, it will harmlessly be metabolized immediately and will not pose a risk to your breastmilk. Itâs completely safe to have your teeth whitened while youâre breastfeeding your child.
We offer in-office treatments as well as take-home whitening kits that are custom-built to fit your teeth. Our take-home option allows you to treat yourself in the comfort of your own home while caring for your child.
Whitening Kits Without Peroxide
You may be able to use a nontoxic teeth whitening product during pregnancy these formulations capitalize on activated charcoal, coconut oil, xylitol, and essential oils to brighten your teeth more naturally. But be wary.
You should still check with your dentist or OB-GYN before going this alternative route most of these products dont take a stance on their safety during pregnancy, and some like Lumineux specifically recommend asking a doctor first.
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Can You Whiten Your Teeth While Pregnant
We all want pearly whites, but what about those of us are expecting? Its no wonder many want to enhance their pregnancy glow with a smile just as brilliant! However, its important to consider what youre putting into your bodyespecially with a baby bump. So lets get to the bottom of the question: can you whiten your teeth while pregnant?
